USS HEALY DD

USS HEALY DD-672 Model

Made by the talented hand of COL Tom Hathaway, USAR (Ret)

Scale 1:350 Overall length is approximately one foot.

COL Hathaway describes how he picked the USS Healy as his subject:

"The original kit I purchased was of the Fletcher, which was a “round bridge” design and depicted a very early war configuration. I always found the “square bridge” configuration more appealing, plus I wanted to depict a ship in the “Emergency AA” refit which was the final WW II configuration of the class. Additionally, I wanted a ship which not only had the refit, but actually made it to the fleet that way. Since I’d already completed a 1/350 version of the USS Missouri as she appeared in Tokyo Bay for the surrender ceremonies, I also wanted a ship not only painted in Measure 21, but one which had been in Tokyo Bay as well. USS Healy was one of very few ships which met all the requirements. Since I graduated from VMI in 1972, DD-672 was my choice. Once I read the story about your grandfather, CDR Healy, for whom she was named, I knew I’d made a good choice.

The decision to build USS Healy as she appeared at the end of the war did require quite a bit of work to convert the early war Fletcher, but to me, that’s a lot of the fun building a model. I also added a lot of aftermarket items that always are a significant improvement over what comes in the box. The final result is a one of a kind creation, and I’m really happy with the way she turned out, and I knew that you’d appreciate knowing that the memory of your grandfather goes on."

It was and is an honor to the memory of my late grandfather that COL Hathaway took the time to painstakingly reproduce the platform which bore his name and relayed his spirit back to the enemies of the United States both at the end of WWII and through the Korean Conflict. More than any picture, I hope that those who served in HEALY also remember with fondness this heroic ship. I have met many at the reunions and know how much this mighty ship meant to them too. Thank you COL Hathaway for your efforts and sharing. /s/ Kevin M. Healy - Grandson to CDR Howard R. Healy (USNA '22), Namesake for USS Healy

History
Naval History Center DANFS (Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships)

USS HEALY (DD-672) Historical Biography

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This site maintained by Kevin M. Healy*

*This page is not related to or endorsed by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, or any Government entity of the United States. This is a private page and the author is solely responsible for its content.